Jang Dong Yoon is set to deliver another powerhouse performance in SBS’s upcoming crime thriller “Queen Mantis,” where he plays Detective Cha Su Yeol – a man forced to confront his darkest nightmare: working alongside his imprisoned serial killer mother to catch a copycat murderer. The drama premieres on September 5, 2025, airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST.
Jang Dong Yoon Complex Character of Detective Cha Su Yeol
Cha Su Yeol has spent his entire life loathing his mother Jung Yi Shin, known as “The Mantis,” who brutally murdered five men 20 years ago. This deep-seated hatred becomes the driving force behind one of Jang Dong Yoon’s most emotionally challenging roles to date.
Character Profile: Detective Cha Su Yeol
| Aspect | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Profession | Police Detective | Justice-seeking career choice |
| Family Trauma | Serial killer mother | Deep psychological scars |
| Motivation | Hatred for Jung Yi Shin | Internal conflict with duty |
| Challenge | Must work with mother | Ultimate test of character |
| Timeline | 23 years since last meeting | Accumulated resentment |
A Remake with Korean Intensity
“Queen Mantis” is a remake of the French series “La Mante,” starring Go Hyun Jung as Jung Yi Shin, the infamous serial killer nicknamed “The Mantis”. When a new copycat killer emerges, Detective Cha Su Yeol faces an impossible choice: swallow his hatred and seek his mother’s expertise to solve the case.
The Emotional Complexity
The drama opens with Cha Su Yeol exploding with rage when told he must meet his mother, shouting “You’re telling me to meet who?” This reaction perfectly encapsulates the internal torment Jang Dong Yoon must portray – a man torn between his professional duty and personal trauma.
Jang Dong Yoon’s Acting Evolution
Known for his versatility in previous roles, fans have praised Jang Dong Yoon for playing diverse characters including “killer, crossdresser, monster, soldier, mafia, angel, student, wrestler, king” – and now a tortured detective. This role represents another significant milestone in his acting journey.
Why This Role Matters
Emotional Range: The character demands Jang Dong Yoon to showcase years of suppressed anger, professional composure, and reluctant vulnerability simultaneously.
Family Dynamics: The twisted mother-son relationship offers rich material for exploring complex psychological themes.
Genre Mastery: Moving from romantic comedies to intense crime thrillers demonstrates his growing range as a leading man.
The Mother-Son Dynamic
Police officer Jang Dong Yoon is forced to ask his imprisoned serial killer mother Go Hyun Jung for help tracking down a copycat killer. This premise creates unprecedented dramatic tension, as viewers witness a son who has spent decades trying to forget his mother being forced back into her world.
What Makes This Story Compelling
The psychological warfare between Cha Su Yeol and Jung Yi Shin promises to be the drama’s emotional core. Their relationship represents:
- Generational Trauma: How a parent’s actions can permanently scar their children
- Justice vs. Family: The conflict between professional duty and personal history
- Redemption Themes: Whether some relationships can ever be healed
Anticipation and Global Reach
The drama will be available to watch on Viki, ensuring international K-drama fans can witness this intense family drama unfold. Netflix has also confirmed the series will stream weekly episodes starting September 2025.
Industry Recognition
Industry professionals have noted they expect to “witness the true value of Jang Dong Yoon, who has grown greatly as an actor” through this challenging role.
For fans of Korean crime dramas and Jang Dong Yoon’s filmography, “Queen Mantis” represents a perfect storm of psychological complexity and stellar performances.
The drama promises to explore the darkest corners of family relationships while delivering the intense thrills Korean crime series are known for.